U21s beat Brighton: Chambers and Jeff in midfield, Malen winner

Arsenal u21s came from behind to beat Brighton on Monday evening, continuing their strong start to the season through goals from Ben Sheaf and Donyell Malen.

With the current injury issues with the first team, Calum Chambers was given some match practice in a midfield role, partnering Glen Kamara. Jeff Reine-Adelaide has been on the bench for the first team lately but was given a run out too, as 16-year-old Donyell Malen started up front instead of Stephy Mavididi.

Brighton took the lead in the first half through a Connor Goldson header, which Matt Macey couldn’t keep out.

Dead ball specialist Ben Sheaf levelled the scores with a second-half free-kick before Malen, signed from Ajax in the summer, produced a supposed moment of “brilliance” to race through and chip the onrushing Brighton goalkeeper.

The Dutchman has scored four goals in six u18 appearances this season, and the goal was his first in his first start at u21 level. Watch this space!

With a busy winter period coming up and injuries mounting, Arsène Wenger will probably use Calum Chambers in midfield soon so it was certainly useful for him to get some game time in that position after a year of training as a centre-half. Jeff Reine-Adelaide is also likely to benefit from some time on the pitch, after plenty of time on Wenger’s bench. With Alexis Sánchez injured, the Frenchman is likely to be on the bench once more against Sunderland on Saturday.